The competition-specific updates and competitor preparation instructions listed below provide members with the latest information about themes, clarifications, professional development test study guide, national competitor online submission/testing requirements and more. A competition update covers anything that is not listed in the official SkillsUSA Championships Technical Standards and that a competitor and/or advisor needs to be aware of for the national competition. Your state specific competition updates are NOT published on the national website.
Start here for the Keys to Success and review the SkillsUSA National Competitor Checklist that outlines important resources and pre-conference requirements.
Note: No live animals or biohazardous materials are allowed as part of any competition.
Note for competitors who have devices that connect to Internet: The Wi-Fi Internet access in the Georgia World Congress Center (where the SkillsUSA Championships are held) is predominately available only on the 5GHz band. It is recommended that competitors test their device(s) prior to arriving for NLSC, and, if applicable, bring an appropriate 5GHz adaptor.
SkillsUSA Championships national competitors must complete their online submission(s) by June 5, 2025, at 5 p.m. ET. Check the current SkillsUSA Technical Standards and updates listed below to learn more about any required national pre-conference online submissions. All national competitors will receive their login credentials from their state director by May 21, 2025. This will include assigned competitor numbers and login credentials to SkillsUSA’s secure Competitor Portal for uploading their resume and completing any additional competition-specific requirements. Accommodation requests for the SkillsUSA Championships must be approved by the Office of Championships before any competition. Competitors must submit an accommodation attestation letter online as part of the process. State-specific competition pre-conference requirements are not published on the national website.
The following resources are available to help you create competitor resumes. While the use of the template is not mandatory, the naming convention, proper saving as a PDF, and the correct number of pages are mandatory.
The rubric is a powerful tool for incorporating SkillsUSA technical standards into the classroom, offering a practical framework to boost student engagement and develop essential skills. To access a sample of leadership and occupational rubrics, click the following link: 2025 Sample Leadership and Occupational Rubrics
The SkillsUSA Professional Development Test for national competitors will be conducted pre-conference. All national competitors are required to complete the SkillsUSA Professional Development Test. Competitors can prepare using the SkillsUSA Professional Development Test Study Guide.
This topic is to be addressed by competitors in the SkillsUSA Chapter Display, Prepared Speech and Promotional Bulletin Board competitions. The SkillsUSA competition theme for the 2024-25 school year is: SkillsUSA: Ignite Your Potential.
As needed competition-specific updates will be published here. These resources will be posted here as soon as the technical committees have finalized the competition-specific updates.
National Competitor Overview Webinar
Join us for a national competitor webinar led by our National Technical Chair in May. This session will provide students with an orientation and overview of the competition, along with key preparation tips to help national competitors succeed.
The technical committee has provided the following update for the 2025 NLSC:
Tips and Reminders for National Competitors’ Demonstrations
To ensure a successful demonstration and adhere to SkillsUSA standards, please keep the following guidelines in mind:
By following these tips, competitors will meet SkillsUSA standards and expectations for a professional and effective demonstration. Review the 2024-26 National Technical Standards for more information.
Exciting Opportunity for Additive Manufacturing Competitors at NLSC!
Are you ready to take your skills to the next level? Additive Manufacturing competitors at the National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC) have an incredible opportunity to earn an industry-recognized certification—for FREE!
Thanks to a special partnership between Autodesk and SkillsUSA, registered competitors are eligible to take an Autodesk Certified User exam in Fusion 360, Revit, AutoCAD, or Inventor—at no cost!
What You Need to Know:
Important Note: Taking the Autodesk Certified User exam is optional and not required for the Additive Manufacturing competition—but it’s a fantastic way to validate your skills and boost your resume. Don’t miss this chance to stand out and earn a valuable credential!
Exciting Opportunity for Automated Manufacturing Technology Competitors at NLSC!
Are you ready to take your skills to the next level? Automated Manufacturing Technology competitors at the National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC) have an incredible opportunity to earn an industry-recognized certification—for FREE!
Thanks to a special partnership between Autodesk and SkillsUSA, registered competitors are eligible to take an Autodesk Certified User exam in Fusion 360, Revit, AutoCAD, or Inventor—at no cost!
What You Need to Know:
Important Note: Taking the Autodesk Certified User exam is optional and not required for the Automated Manufacturing Technology competition—but it’s a fantastic way to validate your skills and boost your resume. Don’t miss this chance to stand out and earn a valuable credential!
Updated 4-7-2025
National Competitor Overview Webinar
Join us for a national competitor webinar led by our National Technical Chair in May. This session will provide students with an orientation and overview of the competition, along with key preparation tips to help national competitors succeed.
The technical committee has provided the following resources to prepare for the 2025 NLSC:
Automotive Refinish Technology – Paint Company Rotation
| Year | Color Tinting | Spot Repair | Prime and Block |
| 2025 | PPG | Axalta | Sherwin Williams |
| 2026 | Sherwin Williams | PPG | BASF |
Updated 1-24-2025
The technical committee has provided the following resources to prepare for the 2025 NLSC:
AST 7.0 — Perform suspension and steering related tasks identified in the Automobile Suspension and Steering Task List (ASE Test 4)
6.1. – Perform pre alignment inspection and measure vehicle ride height
6.2. – Inspect tire condition; identify tire wear patterns; check for correct tire size, application (load and speed ratings), and air pressure as listed on the tire information placard/label.
6.3. – Rotate tires according to manufacturer’s recommendations
6.4. – Dismount, inspect and remount tire on wheel
6.5. – Balance tire and wheel assembly
6.6. – Inspect tire and wheel assembly for air loss
6.7. – Repair tire using an internal patch
6.8. – Identify indirect and direct tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS); calibrate system; verify operation of instrument panel lamps.
6.9. – Demonstrate knowledge of steps required to remove and replace sensors in a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) including relearn procedure.
6.10. – Identify and inspect steering components
6.11. – Identify and inspect suspension components
6.12. – Use reference materials provided
6.13. – Use tools provided to complete the above tasks.
The national technical committee has released the following clarification for NLSC 2025:
We have received several questions regarding the quiche pan specifications for this year’s competition. Please review the following important information:
To assist those who still wish to bring their own, below are links to pans that closely match the required size. Due to minor differences in imperial and metric measurements, these options are considered acceptable:
Please ensure any pan brought aligns closely with the dimensions of the supplied pans to avoid any potential issues during the competition.
Updated 3-12-2025
The national technical committee has released the following resources for NLSC 2025:
National competitors in the SkillsUSA Championships must complete the SkillsUSA Professional Development Test and submit all required online materials by June 5, 2025, at 5 p.m. ET. This includes an electronic copy of their current ANSI-approved food safety manager or food handler certification.
National competitors in Baking and Pastry Arts must also complete two (2) online third-party assessments. Enrollment links and instructions will be emailed to competitors by the test vendor after May 22.
Rule Clarification: “No Guards”
To clarify the intent behind the rule stating “no guards”:
Detachable blade clippers and adjustable blade clippers are allowed. This aligns with the traditional tools and practices within the history of barbering. The key distinction is that detachable blades are not being used as a substitute for guards. They function similarly to adjustable clippers—offering a range from closed to open—rather than mimicking guard lengths like #4 or #5.
Adjustable clippers may still use their lever to transition between lengths, just as a detachable clipper user may switch blades. This is consistent with standard barbering techniques.
Ultimately, regardless of the tool, competitors will still need to demonstrate skill using clipper-over-comb methods to sculpt and shape. These expectations are rooted in the official Barbering guidelines, which we continue to follow.
Updated 4-21-2025
National competitors will be evaluated on their professional portfolio, two haircut/styles, and a creative design. Manikins will be provided onsite by the National Technical Committee for the 2024 National Barbering Competition. One (1) manikin will be used by competitors to recreate a total of two (2) haircuts and styles from photographs. These photographs will NOT be published anywhere prior to the national competition. One (1) manikin with a beard will be used for a creative design, this manikin is different from the one used for haircutting portion.
The technical committee for the Barbering competition has provided the following resources to help competitors prepare for NLSC 2025:
Note: In the event of an unforeseen shortage, an alternate mannequin may be substituted. Competitors should be prepared to work with a different model if necessary.
Updated 10-28-2024
The 2025 Barbering competition theme for the creative freestyle design is Fire and Ice.
The national technical committee has released the following update for NLSC 2025:
National competitors in the SkillsUSA Championships must complete the SkillsUSA Professional Development Test and submit all required online materials by June 5, 2025, at 5 p.m. ET.
REQUIRED Online Competition-Specific Knowledge Test
Online Testing Requirements
SkillsUSA is partnering with NCCER to offer a certification opportunity for national competitors. All assessments are based upon general industry knowledge, not NCCER curriculum, and have been developed in conjunction with subject matter experts from each respective industry. NCCER’s secure testing platform is designed to assess a competitor’s knowledge around competency areas within a respective craft. For the National Leadership & Skills Conference, this platform will be utilized to administer the national competition-specific knowledge test for Carpentry. All competitors MUST complete test(s) by 5 p.m. ET on June 5, 2025.
SkillsUSA Online Testing Proctor Policy
All online testing must be proctored for the National Leadership & Skills Conference. To access the online test, each competitor must meet NCCER’s digital proctor and security agreement for online testing.
NCCER Registration
Competitors will have until June 5, 2025, at 5 p.m. ET to complete their NCCER competition-specific online knowledge test.
Updated 4-28-2025
Exciting Opportunity for Carpentry Competitors at NLSC!
Are you ready to take your skills to the next level? Carpentry competitors at the National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC) have an incredible opportunity to earn an industry-recognized certification—for FREE!
Thanks to a special partnership between Autodesk and SkillsUSA, registered competitors are eligible to take an Autodesk Certified User exam in Fusion 360, Revit, AutoCAD, or Inventor—at no cost!
What You Need to Know:
Important Note: Taking the Autodesk Certified User exam is optional and not required for the Carpentry competition—but it’s a fantastic way to validate your skills and boost your resume. Don’t miss this chance to stand out and earn a valuable credential!
January 2025 Competition Webinar (Updated 2-3-2025)
Review an insightful webinar led by our National Technical Chair, who provides key best practices for success. The session covers purpose, theme use, design considerations, size min-max, construction, binder documentation, and interview/presentation.
Updated 12-16-2024
Tips and Reminders
By following these tips, teams can create a practical and impressive display, meeting SkillsUSA standards and expectations.
January 2025 Competition Webinar
Join us for an insightful webinar led by our National Technical Chair, where we’ll explore key best practices for success. The session will cover purpose, theme use, design considerations, size min-max, construction, binder documentation, and interview/presentation.
The technical committee has provided the following update for the 2025 NLSC:
Competitors must complete the SkillsUSA National CNC Competition Laptop Form by June 5, 2025. This form will allow you to either:
Important Reminder:
If you choose to bring your own laptop, please ensure that all the required software is pre-installed and fully operational prior to arriving at the event.
Updated 4-28-2025
Exciting Opportunity for CNC 2-Axis Turning Programmer Competitors at NLSC!
Are you ready to take your skills to the next level? CNC 2-Axis Turning Programmer competitors at the National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC) have an incredible opportunity to earn an industry-recognized certification—for FREE!
Thanks to a special partnership between Autodesk and SkillsUSA, registered competitors are eligible to take an Autodesk Certified User exam in Fusion 360, Revit, AutoCAD, or Inventor—at no cost!
What You Need to Know:
Important Note: Taking the Autodesk Certified User exam is optional and not required for the CNC 2-Axis Turning Programmer competition—but it’s a fantastic way to validate your skills and boost your resume. Don’t miss this chance to stand out and earn a valuable credential!
Updated 4-7-2025
National Competitor Overview Webinar
Join us for a national competitor webinar led by our National Technical Chair in May. This session will provide students with an orientation and overview of the competition, along with key preparation tips to help national competitors succeed.
CNC 3-Axis Milling Programmer (Updated 4-29-2025)
The technical committee has provided the following update for the 2025 NLSC:
Competitors must complete the SkillsUSA National CNC Competition Laptop Form by June 5, 2025. This form will allow you to either:
Important Reminder:
If you choose to bring your own laptop, please ensure that all the required software is pre-installed and fully operational prior to arriving at the event.
Updated 4-28-2025
Exciting Opportunity for CNC 3-Axis Milling Programmer Competitors at NLSC!
Are you ready to take your skills to the next level? CNC 3-Axis Milling Programmer competitors at the National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC) have an incredible opportunity to earn an industry-recognized certification—for FREE!
Thanks to a special partnership between Autodesk and SkillsUSA, registered competitors are eligible to take an Autodesk Certified User exam in Fusion 360, Revit, AutoCAD, or Inventor—at no cost!
What You Need to Know:
Important Note: Taking the Autodesk Certified User exam is optional and not required for the CNC 3-Axis Milling Programmer competition—but it’s a fantastic way to validate your skills and boost your resume. Don’t miss this chance to stand out and earn a valuable credential!
Updated 4-7-2025
National Competitor Overview Webinar
Join us for a national competitor webinar led by our National Technical Chair in May. This session will provide students with an orientation and overview of the competition, along with key preparation tips to help national competitors succeed.
The technical committee has provided the following update for the 2025 NLSC:
Competitors must complete the SkillsUSA National CNC Competition Laptop Form by June 5, 2025. This form will allow you to either:
Important Reminder:
If you choose to bring your own laptop, please ensure that all the required software is pre-installed and fully operational prior to arriving at the event.
Updated 4-28-2025
Exciting Opportunity for CNC 5-Axis Milling Programmer Competitors at NLSC!
Are you ready to take your skills to the next level? CNC 5-Axis Milling Programmer competitors at the National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC) have an incredible opportunity to earn an industry-recognized certification—for FREE!
Thanks to a special partnership between Autodesk and SkillsUSA, registered competitors are eligible to take an Autodesk Certified User exam in Fusion 360, Revit, AutoCAD, or Inventor—at no cost!
What You Need to Know:
Important Note: Taking the Autodesk Certified User exam is optional and not required for the CNC 5-Axis Milling Programmer competition—but it’s a fantastic way to validate your skills and boost your resume. Don’t miss this chance to stand out and earn a valuable credential!
Updated 4-7-2025
National Competitor Overview Webinar
Join us for a national competitor webinar led by our National Technical Chair in May. This session will provide students with an orientation and overview of the competition, along with key preparation tips to help national competitors succeed.
The technical committee has provided the following update for the 2025 NLSC:
Competitors must complete the SkillsUSA National CNC Competition Laptop Form by June 5, 2025. This form will allow you to either:
Important Reminder:
If you choose to bring your own laptop, please ensure that all the required software is pre-installed and fully operational prior to arriving at the event.
Updated 4-28-2025
Exciting Opportunity for CNC Programmer Competitors at NLSC!
Are you ready to take your skills to the next level? CNC Programmer competitors at the National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC) have an incredible opportunity to earn an industry-recognized certification—for FREE!
Thanks to a special partnership between Autodesk and SkillsUSA, registered competitors are eligible to take an Autodesk Certified User exam in Fusion 360, Revit, AutoCAD, or Inventor—at no cost!
What You Need to Know:
Important Note: Taking the Autodesk Certified User exam is optional and not required for the CNC Programmer competition—but it’s a fantastic way to validate your skills and boost your resume. Don’t miss this chance to stand out and earn a valuable credential!
Updated April 7, 2025
National Competitor Overview Webinar
Join us for a national competitor webinar led by our National Technical Chair in May. This session will provide students with an orientation and overview of the competition, along with key preparation tips to help national competitors succeed.
The technical committee has provided the following update for the 2025 NLSC:
Click the link to download the 2025 Commercial sUAS-Drone-Competition Guide.
Note a technical and safety guideline update for the 2025 competition is included in the guide:
Review the 2024-26 National Technical Standards for more information.
The technical committee for the Cosmetology competition has provided the following resources to help competitors prepare for NLSC 2025:
Note: In the event of an unforeseen shortage, an alternate mannequin may be substituted. Competitors should be prepared to work with a different model if necessary.
The national technical committee has released the following resource for NLSC 2025:
Crime Scene Investigation 2025 Competition Resource
Updated 10-29-24
The technical committee has provided the following update for the 2025 NLSC:
Click HERE to view the webinar recording. Disclaimer: National competitors will receive an email for their online resume submission that will include information about all applicable pre-conference requirements. Visit the national competitor checklist for the latest details. Clothing is reviewed by the national clothing assessment personnel and all clothing penalties are reviewed for final approval by the Director of Championships. Professional members of SkillsUSA can download copy of the national technical standards; click HERE to learn more. For state specific competition information contact your state association.
The national technical committee has released the following resource for NLSC 2025:
Criminal Justice 2025 Competition Resource
Updated 10-29-24
The technical committee has provided the following update for the 2025 NLSC:
Click HERE to view the webinar recording. Disclaimer: National competitors will receive an email for their online resume submission that will include information about all applicable pre-conference requirements. Visit the national competitor checklist for the latest details. Clothing is reviewed by the national clothing assessment personnel and all clothing penalties are reviewed for final approval by the Director of Championships. Professional members of SkillsUSA can download copy of the national technical standards; click HERE to learn more. For state specific competition information contact your state association.
The national technical committee has released the following resource for NLSC 2025:
National competitors in the SkillsUSA Championships must complete the SkillsUSA Professional Development Test and submit all required online materials by June 5, 2025, at 5 p.m. ET. This includes an electronic copy of their current ANSI-approved food safety manager or food handler certification and their resume. National competitors in Culinary Arts must also complete an online third-party assessment. Enrollment link and instructions will be emailed to competitors by the test vendor after May 22.
iCEV Certification Opportunities at NLSC – Free for Customer Service competitors
During the National Leadership & Skills Conference, iCEV is offering valuable certification opportunities to customer service competitors—at no cost to earn the certification! Competitors must bring their own device that can connect to the internet. The device must be sufficiently charged as charging in the certification room is limited.
Use the link to the iCEV Certification Flyer to learn more and sign up for this incredible opportunity.
National Competitor Overview Webinars
Join us for a national competitor webinar led by our National Technical Chair in May. This session will provide students with an orientation and overview of the competition, along with key preparation tips to help national competitors succeed.
The technical committee has provided the following update for the 2025 NLSC:
The required pre-conference briefings, timeline, and submission link for the online short film will be published here. The first digital cinema national competition briefing will be held in May and is an overview of the pre-conference requirements and timeline. The film prompt will be published in June and national competitors will have approximately one week to complete the pre-conference assignments.
The technical committee has provided the following update for the 2025 NLSC:
Click HERE to view the webinar recording. Disclaimer: National competitors will receive an email for their online resume submission that will include information about all applicable pre-conference requirements. Visit the national competitor checklist for the latest details. Clothing is reviewed by the national clothing assessment personnel and all clothing penalties are reviewed for final approval by the Director of Championships. Professional members of SkillsUSA can download copy of the national technical standards; click HERE to learn more. For state specific competition information contact your state association.
The 2025 Esthetics competition fantasy theme is Under the Sea.
The technical committee has provided the following practice materials for competitors to prepare for the 2025 NLSC:
The Facilithon Student Practice Packet is a comprehensive resource designed to support Advisors in preparing students for state and national competitions. This packet features sample scenarios, practice questions, and emergency exercises that enhance problem-solving, critical thinking, and facility management decision-making skills. With structured activities for both individual and group practice, it helps students build confidence and familiarity with the competition format. Whether used in the classroom or for independent study, the resource equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the Facilithon.
Review the 2024-26 National Technical Standards for more information.
The technical committee has provided the following update for the 2025 NLSC:
Click HERE to view the webinar recording. Disclaimer: National competitors will receive an email for their online resume submission that will include information about all applicable pre-conference requirements. Visit the national competitor checklist for the latest details. Clothing is reviewed by the national clothing assessment personnel and all clothing penalties are reviewed for final approval by the Director of Championships. Professional members of SkillsUSA can download copy of the national technical standards; click HERE to learn more. For state specific competition information contact your state association.
The national technical committee has released the following update for NLSC 2025:
National competitors in the SkillsUSA Championships must complete the SkillsUSA Professional Development Test and submit all required online materials by June 5, 2025, at 5 p.m. ET. This includes an electronic copy of the required safety instruction and verification letter as well as the Komatsu Facility Release Forms.
Click link to download the:
Registered competitors will receive an email on May 21 that will provide them with:
SkillsUSA is partnering with NCCER to offer a certification opportunity for national competitors. All assessments are based upon general industry knowledge, not NCCER curriculum, and have been developed in conjunction with subject matter experts from each respective industry. NCCER’s secure testing platform is designed to assess a competitor’s knowledge around competency areas within a respective craft. For the National Leadership & Skills Conference, this platform will be utilized to administer the national competition-specific knowledge test for competitors in Heavy Equipment Operation.
Competitor NCCER Test Requirements:
Competitors must bring their own device (laptop) that can connect to the internet. The device must be sufficiently charged as charging in the certification room is limited. This online knowledge test will be proctored onsite during the competition.
National Competitor Overview Webinar
Join us for a national competitor webinar led by our National Technical Chair in May. This session will provide students with an orientation and overview of the competition, along with key preparation tips to help national competitors succeed.
The technical committee for the Job Interview competition has shared important information to help competitors prepare for NLSC 2025.
Please come prepared to ensure a smooth and successful start to your competition experience.
Updated 2-10-2025
National Competitor Overview Webinar
Join us for a national competitor webinar led by our National Technical Chair in May. The session will cover pre-conference requirements, resume, portfolio documentation, scoring rubric, and interview process.
Exciting Opportunity for Medical Math Competitors at NLSC!
Medical Math competitors have the chance to earn an industry-recognized credential at no cost during the National Leadership & Skills Conference!
Thanks to a partnership between ACT and SkillsUSA, competitors can earn the ACT WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) a valuable credential that demonstrates essential workplace skills.
Free preparation materials will be emailed to all registered competitors by the end of May.
Click the link to the NCRC Credential flyer for more details about this incredible opportunity.
Please note: Earning the NCRC is not required as part of the Medical Math competition, but it is strongly encouraged to take advantage of this career-boosting experience!
Exciting Opportunity for Medical Terminology Competitors at NLSC!
Medical Terminology competitors have the chance to earn an industry-recognized credential at no cost during the National Leadership & Skills Conference!
Thanks to a partnership between ACT and SkillsUSA, competitors can earn the ACT WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) a valuable credential that demonstrates essential workplace skills.
Free preparation materials will be emailed to all registered competitors by the end of May.
Click the link to the NCRC Credential flyer for more details about this incredible opportunity.
Please note: Earning the NCRC is not required as part of the Medical Terminology competition, but it is strongly encouraged to take advantage of this career-boosting experience!
National Competitor Overview Webinar
Join us for a national competitor webinar led by our National Technical Chair in May. This session will provide students with an orientation and overview of the competition, along with key preparation tips to help national competitors succeed.
The technical committee has provided the following update for the 2025 NLSC:
The game manuals for the 2025 Mobile Robotics Technology competition are available below:
The technical committee has released the following update for NLSC 2025:
The national competitors in Quiz Bowl are required to complete an online competition-specific knowledge test as well as the online SkillsUSA Professional Development test. SkillsUSA Championships national competitors will receive their login credentials from their state director by May 21, 2025.
National competitors will need to identify a proctor prior to taking their online test(s). The online testing window is May 22 through June 5, 2025. All online test(s) required must be completed by 5 p.m. ET on Thursday, June 5, 2025. After May 22, 2025, national competitors can email CustomerCare@skillsusa.org or call (toll free): 844-875-4557 for login assistance. Review the SkillsUSA National Competitor Checklist that outlines important resources and pre-conference requirements.
Updated 4-28-2025
Exciting Opportunity for Quiz Bowl Competitors at NLSC!
Quiz Bowl competitors have the chance to earn an industry-recognized credential at no cost during the National Leadership & Skills Conference!
Thanks to a partnership between ACT and SkillsUSA, competitors can earn the ACT WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) a valuable credential that demonstrates essential workplace skills.
Free preparation materials will be emailed to all registered competitors by the end of May.
Click the link to the NCRC Credential flyer for more details about this incredible opportunity.
Please note: Earning the NCRC is not required as part of the Quiz Bowl competition, but it is strongly encouraged to take advantage of this career-boosting experience!
Updated 10-30-2024
Reminder the national quiz bowl competition question sources will include approximately 30 percent professional development issues, 15 percent about current events, 15 percent from LifeSmarts and 40 percent will consist of general academic knowledge.
LifeSmarts questions cover core consumer topics focusing on five key areas: consumer rights and responsibilities, the environment, health and safety, personal finance, and technology. Resources are available online at LifeSmarts.org.
Review the 2024-26 National Technical Standards for more information.
Exciting Opportunity for Related Technical Math Competitors at NLSC!
Related Technical Math competitors have the chance to earn an industry-recognized credential at no cost during the National Leadership & Skills Conference!
Thanks to a partnership between ACT and SkillsUSA, competitors can earn the ACT WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) a valuable credential that demonstrates essential workplace skills.
Free preparation materials will be emailed to all registered competitors by the end of May.
Click the link to the NCRC Credential flyer for more details about this incredible opportunity.
Please note: Earning the NCRC is not required as part of the Related Technical Math competition, but it is strongly encouraged to take advantage of this career-boosting experience!
National Competitor Overview Webinar
Join us for a national competitor webinar led by our National Technical Chair in May. This session will provide students with an orientation and overview of the competition, along with key preparation tips to help national competitors succeed.
Robotics-Urban Search and Rescue | Competition Overview Webinar
Robotics-Urban Search and Rescue (Updated 1-24-2025)
The technical committee has provided the following clarification for the 2025 NLSC:
Teams may select any wireless camera system with the express purpose of mounting on the robot and reliably providing FPV video feed to the driver viewing device. If needed, a supplemental battery for the express use of powering the camera can be used and cannot exceed a maximum of 9 Volts.
Updated 12-12-2004
The technical committee has provided the following update for the 2025 NLSC:
Click the link to download the SkillsUSA Robotics USAR Challenge Guide 2025.
The Urban Search and Rescue Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) robot can be constructed using components from the Urban Search and Rescue Challenge kit, which is available for purchase through Pitsco Education. This kit includes all the necessary materials to build a basic robot designed for participation in the Urban Search and Rescue Challenge competition.
Teams have the option to purchase and utilize one of the two robot kits referenced in the 2025 challenge guide or any commercially available robotics building platform. Either of the Pitsco Education kit’s materials list serves as a replacement for the “bill of materials” currently found in the SkillsUSA Technical Standards.
EOD robots must adhere to all parts restrictions outlined in the SkillsUSA Technical Standards’ competition guidelines “section” and are required to be operated by remote control. Robots with autonomous control capabilities will be disqualified from the competition.
Recommendation/tips:
In this context, the Engineering Notebook should enable others to follow the project journey by relying solely on the information provided by the competitors. It’s important to consider that personal perspectives can influence how the documentation is perceived. For instance, what one views as neat and professional might differ from someone else’s perspective.
To ensure clarity and accessibility, a best practice is to approach the documentation from the viewpoint of an external reviewer. Ask yourself:
By considering these questions, one can create an Engineering Notebook that not only meets personal and professional standards but also effectively communicates the project journey to others.
The national technical committee has released the following update for NLSC 2025:
National competitors in the SkillsUSA Championships must complete the SkillsUSA Professional Development Test and submit all required online materials by June 5, 2025, at 5 p.m. ET.
REQUIRED Online Competition-Specific Knowledge Test
Online Testing Requirements
SkillsUSA is partnering with NCCER to offer a certification opportunity for national competitors. All assessments are based upon general industry knowledge, not NCCER curriculum, and have been developed in conjunction with subject matter experts from each respective industry. NCCER’s secure testing platform is designed to assess a competitor’s knowledge around competency areas within a respective craft. For the National Leadership & Skills Conference, this platform will be utilized to administer the national competition-specific knowledge test for Sheet Metal. All competitors MUST complete test(s) by 5 p.m. ET on June 5, 2025.
SkillsUSA Online Testing Proctor Policy
All online testing must be proctored for the National Leadership & Skills Conference. To access the online test, each competitor must meet NCCER’s digital proctor and security agreement for online testing.
NCCER Registration
Competitors will have until June 5, 2025, at 5 p.m. ET to complete their NCCER competition-specific online knowledge test.
The national technical committee has released the following update for NLSC 2025:
National competitors in the SkillsUSA Championships must complete the SkillsUSA Professional Development Test and submit all required online materials by June 5, 2025, at 5 p.m. ET.
REQUIRED Online Competition-Specific Knowledge Test
Online Testing Requirements
SkillsUSA is partnering with NCCER to offer a certification opportunity for national competitors. All assessments are based upon general industry knowledge, not NCCER curriculum, and have been developed in conjunction with subject matter experts from each respective industry. NCCER’s secure testing platform is designed to assess a competitor’s knowledge around competency areas within a respective craft. For the National Leadership & Skills Conference, this platform will be utilized to administer the national competition-specific knowledge test for TeamWorks. All competitors MUST complete test(s) by 5 p.m. ET on June 5, 2025.
SkillsUSA Online Testing Proctor Policy
All online testing must be proctored for the National Leadership & Skills Conference. To access the online test, each competitor (including individual members of a team event) must meet NCCER’s digital proctor and security agreement for online testing.
NCCER Registration
Competitors will have until June 5, 2025, at 5 p.m. ET to complete their NCCER competition-specific online knowledge test.
Updated 4-28-2025
Exciting Opportunity for TeamWorks Competitors at NLSC!
Are you ready to take your skills to the next level? TeamWorks competitors at the National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC) have an incredible opportunity to earn an industry-recognized certification—for FREE!
Thanks to a special partnership between Autodesk and SkillsUSA, registered competitors are eligible to take an Autodesk Certified User exam in Fusion 360, Revit, AutoCAD, or Inventor—at no cost!
What You Need to Know:
Important Note: Taking the Autodesk Certified User exam is optional and not required for the TeamWorks competition—but it’s a fantastic way to validate your skills and boost your resume. Don’t miss this chance to stand out and earn a valuable credential!
Exciting Opportunity for Technical Drafting Competitors at NLSC!
Are you ready to take your skills to the next level? Technical Drafting competitors at the National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC) have an incredible opportunity to earn an industry-recognized certification—for FREE!
Thanks to a special partnership between Autodesk and SkillsUSA, registered competitors are eligible to take an Autodesk Certified User exam in Fusion 360, Revit, AutoCAD, or Inventor—at no cost!
What You Need to Know:
Important Note: Taking the Autodesk Certified User exam is optional and not required for the Technical Drafting competition—but it’s a fantastic way to validate your skills and boost your resume. Don’t miss this chance to stand out and earn a valuable credential!
The technical committee has released the following update for NLSC 2025:
Pre-Conference Required Online Competition-Specific Testing:
The national competitors in Welding are required to complete an online competition-specific knowledge test as well as the online SkillsUSA Professional Development test. SkillsUSA Championships national competitors will receive their login credentials from their state director by May 21, 2025.
National competitors will need to identify a proctor prior to taking their online test(s). The online testing window is May 22 through June 5, 2025. All online test(s) required must be completed by 5 p.m. ET on Thursday, June 5, 2025. After May 22, 2025, national competitors can email CustomerCare@skillsusa.org or call (toll free): 844-875-4557 for login assistance. Review the SkillsUSA National Competitor Checklist that outlines important resources and pre-conference requirements.
Save the Date Upcoming NLSC Webinars:
Updated 4-21-2025
The technical committee has provided the following welding equipment and material update for NLSC 2025:
Lincoln: Power Wave® 300C Advanced (Model K4488-1)
Miller: Dynasty 300
Updated 11-13-2024
The technical committee has provided the following resources to prepare for NLSC 2025:
The technical committee for the Welding Sculpture competition has provided the following clarification for the 2024-26 Technical Standards competition guidelines 4.e. Projects are to be left unpainted, including primers and other coatings (except for clear coating).
Clarification on Chemical Treatments for the Welding Sculpture Competition: